For a decade, Chad Marshall was a crucial part of the Crew’s highs and lows. The team’s
first-round pick in the 2004 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Marshall looked set to finish his
career in black and gold after signing a four-year contract extension before the 2012 season.

But when Gregg Berhalter was hired as coach and sporting director in November, Marshall began to
wonder if he was a fit for the new era at Crew Stadium. Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid
discussed Marshall’s availability with Berhalter shortly thereafter, setting the wheels in motion
for the trade that gave the veteran defender a new start with a new club.

As he prepared this week to face his former team for the first time, Marshall said it felt like
a good time for a change.

“It just seems like Columbus was starting something new and I was at that point the last player
of that (2008 MLS Cup) era after they got rid of Danny (O’Rourke) and Andy (Gruenebaum),” Marshall
said. “So yeah, it just seemed like as good a time as any to go. When I found out there was
interest from Seattle, I was happy to pursue it. I enjoyed my time in Columbus greatly, but I’m
excited about this new challenge and being here in Seattle.”

Marshall was sent to Seattle for a 2015 third-round draft pick and an undisclosed amount of
allocation money. At the time, Berhalter called it a “significant swing in the funds,” clearing
Marshall’s salary and receiving cash in return.

“He’s got the same demanding mentality in training that he had when he was in Columbus,”
Marshall said. “I think it’s an environment where players get better because it’s so demanding and
the pressure is there.”

Tonight, Marshall will face an opponent full of familiar faces. He said he keeps in touch with a
number of Crew players, joking that they have some good group text-messaging conversations.

“I think it is unique because Chad had been with this club longer than most players stay with
one club,” said Crew defender Tyson Wahl, who has played for five teams in a nine-year MLS career. “
He was one of the faces of the club, so it’s definitely a unique situation. But when the whistle
blows, people put friendships aside.”

Marshall’s physical presence helped him score 16 goals for the Crew and prevent hundreds for
opponents from his spot at center back. It’s what has caught Berhalter’s eye as he has studied
video of the Sounders this season.

“We know he’s really good on set pieces,” Berhalter said. “That’s his strength. He’s probably
one of the best defenders in the league on set pieces, so that’s a challenge right there. Guys are
familiar with him, so they know him and know what types of runs he likes to make, but he’s still a
handful on those things.”

As he has watched the Crew this season, Marshall said the difference in the team’s style of play
is striking compared with his time here.

“It seems like they’re very possession-oriented,” he said. “They build differently than we did
when I was there, so it does seem like a completely different team. Gregg has instilled what he
wants to do, and obviously they’ve started the season very well. It’s going to be a tough game, and
I’m looking forward to it.”